DISTRIBUTION


of sectors and new applications means the focus continues to be on versatile products that can be used in a range of different ways.


Innovation to meet customer needs Nevertheless, this isn’t a static market. Increasing complexity of electronic products, particularly in the consumer and automotive sectors, is fuelling the need for more sophisticated components. The post-pandemic years have seen a resurgence in new product development by suppliers, with a steady stream becoming available alongside established lines. The general trend across electronics continues to be to make products that are smaller, lighter, faster, more reliable, more powerful and more efficient. Components are evolving to support those priorities and the most successful will benefit from surging demand. ReportLinker, forecasting prospects for the electronic components market between 2023 and 2028, predicts strong annual growth of 8.79% in the combined market for active and passive components during that period.


Minimising impacts on prices The process of adapting to a pandemic that is hopefully now in the rear-view mirror has made industry more robust and better positioned to address ongoing challenges. These are likely to be driven more by geo-political and environmental factors than market forces. Murata Manufacturing, the world’s largest supplier of multilayer ceramic capacitors, had to deal with the impact on its operations by the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan’s western coastline on New


Years’ Day 2024. Also, recent conflict in the Red Sea region has meant a lot of shipments from Asia are being forced to take longer routes, affecting delivery times.


Careful planning by suppliers and distributors has helped to mitigate the effects of unexpected factors like this for the end customer. Whatever the extent of fluctuation in supply or its source, being prepared is crucial, and the lesson from recent years is that it is important to focus on maintaining business as usual as far as possible. That means investing in stock to prepare for when markets inevitably rebound and to take advantage of less busy periods to review operations, improve processes and plan for growth.


At Farnell, we’ve found that doing this was the best way to ensure we were able


to provide a robust response to improving market conditions. Ensuring our suppliers share our confidence that demand for both established and innovative products will persist is an important part of the strategy.


Foresight pays


In the two years since the market began to emerge from its more severe restrictions, Farnell has continued to invest in the latest ranges and technology developments launched by our market leading suppliers. Our ongoing strength, the result of planning and foresight, is a larger and stronger range of products, including passive components, than ever.


Juergen Ruben, Farnell’s Director Sales DACH & Eastern Europe, explains “By offering a wide range of high-quality passive components, we are committed to supporting our customers in all their electronic equipment needs. Our focus on providing passive components in the market ensures that our customers receive the best value for their investment. Farnell is positioned to meet this demand thanks to its expanded product range and strong line card.”


Prepared for the future


The market for passive components may be experiencing a brief lull at the moment, but that is part of its cyclical nature. The reasons are obvious and even if they are outside the control of stakeholders, they are expected to be resolved soon, heralding a resumption in the strong growth that experts predict. In the meantime, distributors can help to minimise disruption by maintaining a focus on careful preparation and planning that has served businesses well during recent turbulence. Dave Jones, Senior Manager for Passives, Farnell


JUNE 2024 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS 23


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